**Piper**

My heart sank, and I stood abruptly, my knees banging against Sophie's. The tips of my ears burned, and my blood boiled with barely contained rage. I did not want to spend time alone with Prince Gregory. I curled my hands into fists by my sides.

"Piper. . ." Peyton slowly stood, her expression wary. "Calm down." She held her hands up like I was some sort of spooked animal she was trying to tame.

"I'm calm," I bit out through clenched teeth. ...